Chalices by International Silver Co.

[byeway]

These chalices - or wine cups? - are labeled by The International Silver Company, but the current owners of that trademark do not seem to have any information on these items nor anything similar.

I am interested in polishing the interior of several of these, but if they are actually plated-ware I cannot do this. Can anyone identify their provenance or assist me in determining if it is safe to polish the interiors to remove manufacturing defects about 1/2mm deep?

Thanks! bill

[JLDoggett]

They appear to be silver plate. The interiors were origionally a frosted/brushed finish which appears to be intact. Simple silver polishing should make the servicable again.

[byeway]

Thanks for your reply!
Unfortunately one of these has manufacturing defects at the base of the interior which are (a guess) about a half-mm deep and which accumulate material which is impossible to remove by simple washing.

I've even tried to "pick" the debris out using a pointed toothpick -- no luck!

I have considerable metal-working experience as a gunsmith, and I am sure I could polish these defects out invisibly.
But if the chalices are simply plated - as it appears they are -- that would expose the base metal.

Replating services in the U.S.A. seem to be scarce; I haven't found any willing to quote on re-polishing and plating the interiors of six of these chalices. Sad.

Any (inexpensive!) suggestions are very welcome!

[dragonflywink]

Hi ~ International used that mark from 1975-85, on a variety of items, usually giftware or home decor items. If your goblets were made of sterling, they would have been marked as such. Re-plating can be a bit pricey - unless they have some sort of sentimental value, can't say that I'd invest into having it done.

~Cheryl

[byeway]

dragonflywink;
Thank you for your information and advice.
You are undoubtedly correct,
Sad but true. <sigh>